Maria Cristina Falls: A Sojourn To The Majestic And Famous Waterfall In The Philippines

My excitement and energy is still that high after exploring the stunning Tinago Falls. I was running like I was in a hurry on my way up from Tinago Falls. It’s not because I run out of time, but I was so excited to finally see the proud beauty of Maria Cristina Falls.

Maria Cristina Falls has long been fanning its name around and outside the Philippines because of its majestic beauty. It has been written in a book, and I saw several pictures of it since I was in grade school. And to finally traipse my feet to the stunning beauty of Maria Cristina waterfalls would be part of my greatest achievement. A memory suddenly sprouted like a bean and I was so right when I told myself 17 years ago that someday, I can travel and see the magical beauty of Maria Cristina Falls.

Going to Maria Cristina Falls from Tinago Falls is very easy. It only took us around 15 minutes drive. As we reached the National Power Corporation (NPC) Nature Park. We were greeted with a bad news telling us that Maria Cristina Falls is temporarily closed because of the Martial Law. I was so sad when I heard about the news. But since I sound like a child begging for food and because I have an infectious smile, the guard allows me to get inside. I told the guards that I travel all the way from Cebu just to see the majestic beauty of Maria Cristina Falls because this has long been my dream. They were so kind that they consider my dream of seeing the Falls. My sad face suddenly turned into a grateful face. We immediately paid the necessary entrance fee and they allow our car to get to the foot of Maria Cristina Falls.

Maria Cristina Falls, is peacefully situated in Iligan City, it is considered to be one of the top tourist destinations in the country. And sometimes referred to as the “twin falls” because of the sturdy rock at its brink, which breaks up the water’s flow, especially if the water flow is not that strong. It also reaches like around 98-meter high with a 320-meter drop making it so stunning and majestic. The water comes from the country’s largest fresh water lake, Lake Lanao. This immense body of water also supplies the other waterfalls in Iligan City like in Tinago Falls.

Also, Maria Cristina Falls is where the Agus Hydro Electric Plant gets its strong force as a primary source of electricity that supplies not only the nearby Provinces in Lanao Del Norte and Iligan, but also for the whole region of Mindanao.

There is also an NPC Nature Park, located just before the Maria Cristina Falls. It houses a crocodile farm, a couple of ostriches, kois and a great collection of birds. There’s also a butterfly sanctuary and an orchidarium, which makes your Maria Cristina Falls visit extra special. What good news about it is that, all of these attractions are already included in the entrance fee. But since it was closed during our visit, we didn’t able to experience the Mini Zoo.

Going to the falls’ viewing deck after parking our car, made me more excited because I can hear the gushing water and I already see it from afar. The view deck is approximately a hundred meters away from the falls. Theres also a park’s tree top and zipline adventure that serves as your marker, which means that you’re near at the viewing deck. But if you plan to ride the Zip Line, make sure to pay at the entrance before heading to the Falls. You might probably hungry during your visit, and that’s not a problem since they have a mini beanery just located close on the viewing deck where you can relish your food while enjoying the majestic beauty of Maria Cristina Falls.

We too see an underground river cave and Green Iguanas, which is known to be a docile species of lizard. Iguanas are said to possess an excellent sense, which allows them to detect movement from incredibly long distances. This innate skill of Iguana is being employed to seek out prey and be aware of approaching predators often before the predators has even noticed the iguana.

After taking a bunch of photos and truly enjoying the place, we decided to leave because we need to catch a boat bound for Cebu at 7:00 PM.

HOW TO GET TO MARIA CRISTINA FALLS

There are daily flights from Manila and Cebu via major Airlines to Cagayan De Oro City. From Laguindingan International Airport, you can take a bus bound for Iligan City, fare is around Php 150. You can also take the Super 5 Bus, their airport shuttle will drop you off at the National Highway where you will transfer to a Superstar Bus bound for Iligan City. Transit Bus also have trips from CDO to Iligan, available 24 hours a day.

You can as well ride a van bound for Iligan City from Laguindingan International Airport such CDO Transco and Lord’s Transport.

There are also yellow taxis (Alphat Airport Taxi) and metered taxis, which are also available at the Laguindingan International Airport.

From the City proper, ride a tricycle to take you to the terminal of jeeps bound for Buru-un. Make sure you remind the driver that you will get off at Maria Cristina Falls. Fare is around Php 15.00, and travel time is less than 20 minutes. Make sure to stop after the steel bridge and cross the road to the entrance of the NPC Nature Park. Take an uphill walk for less than 10 minutes.

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Oh wow you are really lucky the guard allowed you in. Maria Cristina falls is indeed so majestic and beautiful. I wouldn’t want to miss a sight like that either. I’m glad you got the chance. ZIpline sound like fun too!

Philippines seems to be really blessed with majestic waterfalls. The Maria Cristina waterfall is really a huge one, and I love the greenery around. I also fell in love with your tip about not leaving any trace behind so that we don’t cause any damage to this lovely place..so thoughtful!

Ooh Maria Cristina Falls, I’ve known about this since grade school, it is part of the well-known Philippine landmarks being taught in Sibika at Kultura. And I have never seen it in person and the only picture that I saw in the reference books are drawings. Seeing your pictures here, I didn’t know that Maria Cristina is quite majestic. Wow, it’s quite beautiful, I should really make a trip to Iligan soon to see it for myself.

THE LITTLE MAN BEHIND THIS BLOG

Hi, I’m Arie! Welcome to my little corner. My friends fondly call me "Lai". It is a term used in an old french poetry that deals with the stories of adventure and romance. Hence, "thelittlelai" is a small guy who constantly seeks for adventure and always happy to share the narratives of his travels while hoping for a true romance.